The ultimate OKC bucket list: 25 things you need to do while you're in the city

Anusha Fathepure, Oklahoman
·5 min read
2

The heart of the Sooner State, Oklahoma City is home to a variety of attractions that can appeal to all.

Once you find your favorites, it can be easy to get stagnant, but here’s a list of things that every Oklahoman should do, whether you're a native or a visitor.

In no particular order, here's the Oklahoma City Bucket List:

1. Oklahoma City Zoo

Kiazi presses her face against the galss while holding onto her mother, Kito. The Oklahoma City zoo's 7-month old chimpanzee, Kiazi and her mother, Kito, are now outside on public display at various times, weather permitting, Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Kiazi presses her face against the galss while holding onto her mother, Kito. The Oklahoma City zoo's 7-month old chimpanzee, Kiazi and her mother, Kito, are now outside on public display at various times, weather permitting, Thursday, June 1, 2023.

One of the oldest zoos in the Southwest, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a living museum of 1900 animals and botanical gardens. From the Cat Forest to the Great EsApe to the 20,000-square-foot butterfly garden, the OKC Zoo has something for everyone.

More: Oh, baby! Oklahoma City Zoo has their hands full with the youngest new additions

2. Myriad Botanical Gardens

A person sits besides fountains at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 23, 2023.
A person sits besides fountains at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 23, 2023.

Nestled in the heart of Downtown, the Myriad Botanical Gardens are a 15-acre botanical garden offering visitors seasonal activities such as bulb displays, concerts, movies, classes, annual children’s festivals and more.

3. Science Museum Oklahoma

One of the largest science museums in the nation covering over 390,000 square-feet and home to the Kirkpatrick Planetarium and the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, Science Museum Oklahoma has a variety of hands-on interactive features that are equally entertaining and educational for those of all ages.

4. Watch an OKC Thunder Game

Watching a Thunder Game in Oklahoma City is an absolutely must-do event. From the crowd chants to the Thunder Girls, the energy at the games are electric.

5. National Cowboy Heritage and Western Museum

With more than 28,000 Western and American Indian art and artifacts, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has the world's most extensive collection of American rodeo photographs, barbed wire, saddlery, and early rodeo trophies. Come visit for a taste of the Wild West.

6. Take a trip to Bricktown

This thriving district near downtown OKC is a lively entertainment district with an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and retail shops. From festivals to shopping to music, there's something for everyone.

7. Catch a Dodgers game at Bricktown Ballpark

Oklahoma City Dodgers outfielder Drew Avans (3) takes the plate during a Minor League Baseball game between the Oklahoma City Dodgers and the Las Vegas Aviators at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
Oklahoma City Dodgers outfielder Drew Avans (3) takes the plate during a Minor League Baseball game between the Oklahoma City Dodgers and the Las Vegas Aviators at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Head over to Bricktown Ballpark to see the great American Passtime.

8. Bricktown Canal

After a long day spent in Bricktown, visitors can end their nights with a soothing ride down the Bricktown Canal.

9. OKC National Memorial Museum

A poignant symbol of tragic loss and a tribute to the strength of the human spirit, the Oklahoma City National Memorial is an inspiring landmark to experience. Commemorating the events of April 19, 1995, the memorial elegantly balances intricate, symbolic beauty with incredible historical detail.

10. Diamond Ballroom

If you’re looking for some good music, catch a concert at the Diamond Ballroom. Home to over sixty years of music, the Diamond Ballroom radiates its classic country and metal history.

More: From Loretta Lynn to Pantera, iconic Diamond Ballroom still where young bands reach fame

11. Frontier City

Frontier City is the ultimate destination for thrilling roller coaster rides and amusement park attractions. Take a thrilling ride on the Wildcat or a a peaceful trip on the huge ferriswheel.

12. Relax at Scissortail Park

People watch fireworks at the end of the annual Oklahoma City Philharmonic Red, White, and Boom outdoor concert at Scissortail Park in Downtown Oklahoma City on Monday, July 3, 2023.
People watch fireworks at the end of the annual Oklahoma City Philharmonic Red, White, and Boom outdoor concert at Scissortail Park in Downtown Oklahoma City on Monday, July 3, 2023.

Located at the corner of Oklahoma City Boulevard and South Robinson Avenue, Scissortail Park is a lively space full of lakes, playgrounds, parks and cafes for a fun day for the family.

13. American Banjo Museum

Dedicated to chronicling the history of the American banjo, the American Banjo Museum documents the rise of the banjo from its arrival in North America via the Atlantic slave trade to modern times.

14. Civic Center Music Hall

The Music Hall is pictured at the Civic Center Grand Reopening Celebration in Oklahoma City, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
The Music Hall is pictured at the Civic Center Grand Reopening Celebration in Oklahoma City, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

Catch a show at the Civic Center Music Hall, the hub for Broadway shows, rock concerts, the Oklahoma City Ballet, the annual Festival of Art and so much more.

More: Check out the OKC Civic Center's dramatic new renovations, revealed at Grand Reopening

15. Factory Obscura

Cosmic Callback: An Illuminated Interlude, is a new temporary immersive experience by Factory Obscura, taking participants on a sound and light odyssey through the heart of a star and back again through July 31, 2023. Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Cosmic Callback: An Illuminated Interlude, is a new temporary immersive experience by Factory Obscura, taking participants on a sound and light odyssey through the heart of a star and back again through July 31, 2023. Thursday, June 1, 2023.

Factory Obscura blends interactive art with experimental visuals to create an immersive experience. Known for its interesting art displays and colorful creative spaces perfect for taking pictures, Factory Obscura offers an array of experiences.

16. Harn Homestead

This 10-acre homestead claimed during the Great Land Run of 1889 features seven buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, the first two-story home built in Oklahoma, and a 1904 Victorian home where the Harns reside, preserving a piece of Oklahoma’s territorial history.

17. Hurricane Harbor

WIth pulse-pounding water slides, relaxing lazy rivers and kid-friend play areas, Hurricane Harbor is the perfect place to cool down.

18. Oklahoma City Burlesque Festival

Adele Wolf will host her 10th Annual Valentine's Affair burlesque and variety show Feb. 12 at the Auditorium at the Douglass. Photo provided
Adele Wolf will host her 10th Annual Valentine's Affair burlesque and variety show Feb. 12 at the Auditorium at the Douglass. Photo provided

Held in the middle of June, head over to the Burlesque Festival for a weekend of glamorous fun.

19. Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

People hold signs cheering runners on as they go down Harvey Ave. during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Run to Remember, Sunday, April 30, 2023.
People hold signs cheering runners on as they go down Harvey Ave. during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Run to Remember, Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Taking place the last weekend in April, this marathon honors the memory of those lost during the 1995 bombing. Various races are held for participants of all ages to celebrate life and the future.

20. Grab a drink at Ponyboy

A Snowball Old Fashioned is pictured at the Ponyboy in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Dec.7, 2022. The bar has convertex into a Christmas-themed pop-up bar, "Miracle on 23rd Street."
A Snowball Old Fashioned is pictured at the Ponyboy in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Dec.7, 2022. The bar has convertex into a Christmas-themed pop-up bar, "Miracle on 23rd Street."

Head over to Oklahoma City's newest live music venue for cold drinks, live music, and a dance floor that can't be beat.

21. Explore the OKC Underground

An entrance to the Underground is pictured at the 101 Park Avenue building in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May, 17, 2022.
An entrance to the Underground is pictured at the 101 Park Avenue building in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May, 17, 2022.

The OKC Underground is a series of tunnels and skywalks that connect a large part of the downtown buildings and parking garages. The underground features many art galleries and interesting colored lighting fixtures that are perfect for taking pictures.

22. Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Head over to the OKC Museum of Art to appreciate various film and art collections. The museum is currently featuring 100 artworks celebrating artist Auguste Rodin, a variety of glass and paper art covering five decades of Dale Chihuly's work and the abstract art of Paul Reed.

23. Remington Park

Rafael Bejarano rides Tonito M. as they lead during the Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014.
Rafael Bejarano rides Tonito M. as they lead during the Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014.

Oklahoma’s number one sporting entertainment destination, Remington Park has live horse racing and an expansive casino.

24. OKC Bike Tours

A short bike lane is pictured Thursday, March 9, 2023, alongside streetcar tracks going east on Sheridan Avenue in Oklahoma City.
A short bike lane is pictured Thursday, March 9, 2023, alongside streetcar tracks going east on Sheridan Avenue in Oklahoma City.

Experience downtown Oklahoma City with unforgettable bike tours and rentals offering insight into the unique history, art, architecture, craft beer and local food

25. Walk across the Skydance Bridge

The Skydance Bridge is pictured during a snow storm in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Feb.8, 2023.
The Skydance Bridge is pictured during a snow storm in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Feb.8, 2023.

Inspired by the state bird the Scissortail Flycatcher, you can admire the Oklahoma skyline overlooking Interstate 40 while taking a stroll across this beautiful bridge.

More: What can teens do in OKC for fun? Here are a few ways to beat boredom in the metro area

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Things to do in Oklahoma City: your ultimate bucket list